KDWP News Update

Kansas Game Wardens Close Investigation into 2023 Trophy Deer Poaching Case

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Jessica Ward) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:16:38 +0000

For Immediate Release
October 13, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Kansas Game Wardens Close Investigation into 2023 Trophy Deer Poaching Case

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) today announced the successful closure of a wildlife poaching case involving the illegal harvest of a trophy deer in Kansas. The investigation, led by KDWP Game Wardens, concluded with a guilty plea from a Tennessee man who admitted to unlawfully taking the deer.

While investigating an unrelated poaching case in early 2024, Kansas Game Wardens learned that a trophy deer had been killed in Miami County, Kansas the previous year before being later tagged in Missouri.

Following this discovery, Game Wardens obtained a warrant for the suspect’s phone records, which confirmed his presence in Kansas during the timeframe of the photo. In late summer 2024, Kansas Game Wardens traveled to the Nashville area, where they seized the deer and later received a phone confession from the individual, who admitted to killing the deer in Kansas with a rifle and without a valid permit.

The suspect was prosecuted in Miami County, Kansas, and recently pled guilty to charges related to the illegal take. He was fined $5,000 and must also pay $3,960.50 in restitution and $108 in court costs.

KDWP’s Special Investigations Unit led the case, with support from the Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The successful resolution underscores the department’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting wildlife crimes, including complex cases that may span multiple jurisdictions and take years to conclude.

“Kansas Game Wardens are dedicated to protecting our state’s wildlife resources,” said Colonel Greg Kyser. “Most hunters respect the law and play a vital role in conservation. Unfortunately, bad actors undermine that trust and make it harder for everyone. This case demonstrates the persistence and professionalism of our officers, who work tirelessly to hold violators accountable and uphold the integrity of our hunting laws.”

KDWP enforces state and federal fish and wildlife regulations, boating laws, and public land rules across both private and public lands. Game Wardens also support emergency response efforts and collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Through education and outreach, KDWP promotes safe, ethical outdoor recreation and works to preserve Kansas’s natural heritage for future generations.

For more information about KDWP’s law enforcement and wildlife protection efforts, visit ksoutdoors.gov/Law-Enforcement.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

Public Invited to Bison Auction at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge on November 5

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Jessica Ward) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:06:46 +0000

For Immediate Release
October 8, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Public Invited to Bison Auction at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge on November 5

PRATT – On Nov. 5, 2025, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will hold a public auction for surplus bison from Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. The auction will begin at 11 a.m. and take place at the Refuge – 6 miles north of Canton in McPherson County. Bidding and non-bidding parties are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is dedicated to preserving the state’s prairie heritage. Herds of bison and elk, two species native to Kansas grasslands, are maintained on the grounds. Because the refuge can only support a limited number of animals, surplus bison are periodically offered to the public through auction.

A combined total of 61 bison will be auctioned this year, including:

5 – Cows
14 – Yearling Heifers
13 – 2-yr-old Bulls
13 – Yearling Bulls
8 – Bull Calves
8 – Heifer Calves

Heifer calves older than 6 months will be vaccinated for brucellosis, with certificates issued.

Those interested in bidding may preregister by filling out the bidder registration form and emailing it to cassie.smith@ks.gov no later than Nov. 3, 2025. While preregistration is preferred, on-site registration will also be available.

Buyers must pick up bison on the day of the sale or make arrangements with the refuge manager prior to the sale. Animals become the buyer’s responsibility upon settlement on auction day.

Load-out assistance is available until dusk on the day of the auction. Trailers should be covered or lined, as bison transport best in dark conditions.

Cash, card, and personal checks (if accompanied by a notarized authorization letter from the issuing bank) will be accepted.

KDWP reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

For questions regarding the auction, contact Maxwell Wildlife Refuge manager Cliff Peterson at (620) 628-4592 or the KDWP Pratt Operations Office at (620) 672-0763.

For more on Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, including tour information, click HERE.

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KDWP, Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center to Host Wild Foods Cook-Off

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Jessica Ward) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:03:20 +0000

For Immediate Release:
October 03, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center to Host Wild Foods Cook-Off

SHAWNEE – Whether grilled, smoked, poached, canned or dehydrated, wild foods from the Kansas outdoors will be on showcase at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ annual Wild Foods Cook-off in Lawrence on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. From first-time cooks to classically trained chefs, KDWP invites everyone to compete at this free community event hosted with the Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center.

The competition will be held at Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center, 1365 N. 1250 Road, Lawrence, from 1 to 4 p.m. Competitors may submit one entry total in any of the following categories: wild game, wild fish, wild plants, wild mushrooms, wild sweets (fruit, berries, dessert, etc.), and wild invasive/nuisance species (garlic mustard, white perch, Asian carp, autumn olive, etc.). Entries will be judged by a panel of local expert foragers, with prizes awarded to the top entrant in each category and a special prize for the Community Favorite.

Competitors must register in advance, and all dishes must be fully cooked and prepared prior to arrival; no on-site cooking is permitted. Dishes should be large enough for taste-testing by judges and community attendees. Interested parties may register for the competition HERE. Registration closes Oct. 25, 2025.

“Wild foods connect people to the land in a way few experiences can,” said Amy Bousman, KDWP engagement coordinator. “This event celebrates that connection by showcasing the flavors of Kansas and the knowledge of our foraging, hunting, and fishing communities, while inviting newcomers to learn, taste, and try something new.”

In addition to the Cook-Off, the day’s activities will include opportunities to taste a variety of native wild foods and to engage with KDWP staff and community organizations. All events are free and open to the public. Attendees do not need to register a dish to taste entries or participate in the event.

For questions, contact event organizer and KDWP Engagement Coordinator Amy Bousman at amy.bousman@ks.gov.

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Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Launches Outdoor Recreation Challenge for Kansas 250 Celebration

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Laura Rose Clawson) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:39:43 +0000

For Immediate Release:
October 3, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Launches Outdoor Recreation Challenge for Kansas 250 Celebration

STATEWIDE–In honor of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is inviting residents and visitors alike to join the Kansas Outdoor Recreation Challenge, a celebration of outdoor adventure across the Sunflower State.

Participants can join the challenge by registering at https://ksoutdoors.gov/Outdoor-Activities/Kansas-250-Challenge and then begin exploring Kansas’s state parks and other public lands through their favorite outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, curious birdwatcher, weekend angler, or simply someone who loves fresh air and open skies, this challenge is your chance to connect with nature, discover new places, and celebrate Kansas’s rich legacy of outdoor recreation.

“Connecting people to meaningful outdoor experiences is at the heart of our mission,” said Conner O’Flannagan, Kansas State Parks director. “This challenge encourages you to enjoy our public lands responsibly and strengthens the connection between people and the outdoors.”

To complete the challenge, participants must log at least ten outdoor activities, anything from hiking and camping to attending a KDWP-sponsored event, between now and July 4, 2026. Those who complete the challenge will receive a certificate of completion and a few fun surprises (while supplies last). But the real reward? The memories made along the way.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

The Kansas 250 Commission is leading efforts to commemorate America's 250th Anniversary in Kansas by collaborating with state agencies, local communities, and partner organizations. Learn more about the Commission and other Kansas 250 activities at https://www.travelks.com/kansas-250.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Dove Fields Offer Public Hunting Opportunities

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Jessica Ward) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 20:19:28 +0000

For Immediate Release
August 28, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Dove Fields Offer Public Hunting Opportunities

PRATT – With dove season set to open September 1, hunters should consider the many fields on Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Wildlife Areas that are managed for dove hunting. Each year, KDWP staff plant and prepare fields with sunflowers, wheat stubble, and other food sources to attract doves and provide hunters with safe and quality hunting experiences.

To help hunters find these areas more easily, KDWP offers an interactive mapping tool that shows dove field locations, site details, and any special regulations hunters should know before heading afield.

“This popular mapping feature is a great way to start scouting for dove hunting on public lands,” said Tom Bidrowski, KDWP migratory game bird program manager. “We encourage hunters to use it to explore new areas, plan safe and enjoyable hunts, and make the most of the season.”

How to Use the Map Tool:

Visit ksoutdoors.gov/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Dove2.
Click “Dove Hunting Fields Map” on the right-side menu.
Select the first available link, https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1d6b4f5586bc4cc2a30cf412205a7607.
Zoom in on your area of interest.
Adjust map layers to filter for features such as youth-mentor fields or accessibility options.
Use the tool’s “Nearest Field Locator” to search within a set radius of any selected point.

The 2025 migratory dove hunting season in Kansas runs from September 1 through November 29 and includes mourning and white-winged doves. Exotic doves – Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves – may be taken year-round. Hunters may keep a daily bag limit of up to 15 migratory doves total, which can be mourning and white-winged doves in any combination. There is no limit on Eurasian collared or ringed turtle doves, but any taken in addition to the migratory dove daily bag limit must have a fully feathered wing attached for identification while in transport. The possession limit for migratory doves is 45.

For more information on dove hunting in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.gov/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Dove2.

To purchase Kansas hunting licenses and permits, visit GoOutdoorsKansas.gov.

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Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Proposed State Park Fee Changes

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Jessica Ward) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:58:02 +0000

For Immediate Release
August 27, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Proposed State Park Fee Changes

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host five public meetings this fall to share information on proposed state park fee changes and hear directly from Kansans. These town hall-style meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the proposed changes, ask questions, and provide feedback. Fees remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments will require a vote of approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented.

Meeting Schedule:

September 3 | 5:00 p.m.
Hillsdale State Park Shooting Range
26719 Toe Rd, Paola, KS 66071
September 23 | 5:00 p.m.
El Dorado State Park Shooting Range
2980 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
October 24 | 6:30 p.m.
Mariah Hills Golf Course
1800 Matt Down Ln, Dodge City, KS 67801
November 3 | 7:00 p.m.
Fort Hays State University Memorial Union 208 – Black and Gold Room (Second Floor)
700 College Drive, Hays, KS 67601
December 3 | 6:30 p.m.
Flint Hills Discovery Center
315 S 3rd St, Manhattan, KS 66502

Proposed Fee Changes:

Camping Permits
- Eliminate the Annual State Park Camping Permit, which has become unsustainable due to rising operational costs and significant revenue loss.
- Increase overnight camping rates:
  - Overnight Camping Permit from $9 to $15
  - One-Utility Site Fee from $9 to $11
  - Two-Utility Site Fee from $11 to $13
  - Three-Utility Site Fee from $12 to $15.
- Increase the 14-Night State Park Camping Permit from $110 to $165, maintaining the discount equal to three nights off the standard daily camping rate.
- Streamline the Seasonal Camping Program into a single statewide tier, offering a $100 discount based on the utility site type:
  - One Utility Site Fee of $680
  - Two Utility Site Fee of $740
  - Three Utility Site Fee of $800.
Vehicle Permits
- Increase the Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $25 to $40.
- Adjust the State Park Passport (available with vehicle registration) from $15 to $30 (maintaining the $10 discount).
- Increase the Senior/Disability Annual State Park Vehicle Permit from $12.50 to $20.
- Raise the Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $5 to $8.
- Raise the Senior/Disability Daily State Park Vehicle Fee from $2.50 to $4.

“Utility and operational costs for our state parks have risen nearly 45 percent since 2016,” said Conner O’Flannagan, KDWP State Parks Director. “These proposed changes are necessary to ensure our parks remain safe, well-maintained, and accessible to all Kansans, both now and for future generations.”

For more information about Kansas State Parks, visit ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks.

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New Wildlife Regulations Taking Effect September 12

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Jason Dickson) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:47:55 +0000

For Immediate Release
August 26, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

New Wildlife Regulations Taking Effect September 12
Expanded Senior License Options and Longer Coyote Season Among Key Changes

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced several regulation updates taking effect September 12, including new discounted licenses for Kansas seniors and an extended season for night vision coyote hunting.

New 5-Year Senior Licenses

Kansas residents ages 65–74 will soon have access to three new multi-year license options:

5-Year Hunting License – $50
5-Year Fishing License – $50
5-Year Combination Hunting & Fishing License – $90

One-year senior licenses remain available at half the standard adult rate.

“We introduced these new options after our authority to offer the deeply discounted 10-year senior licenses—commonly known as the senior lifetime license—expired,” said KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “While we’re still working to bring back the 10-year license, these five-year options give seniors more choices right now.”

Longer Night Vision Coyote Season

Hunters using night vision equipment will now have a longer season to pursue coyotes. The updated season runs from September 1 to March 31, excluding firearm deer seasons. Due to the timing of the regulation change, the 2025–2026 season will only include:

September 29–December 2, 2025
December 15–31, 2025
January 1–March 31, 2026

Other Regulation Updates

Trout Permit Fee Increase:Raised from $12 to $17.50 to cover rising stocking costs.

Mussel Fees Removed:Mussel fishing and dealer fees were eliminated because commercial mussel harvesting was banned in 2022.

Muzzleloader Ammunition Update:Hunters may now use either lead or non-lead (nontoxic) shot when hunting big game with muzzleloaders—a type of firearm loaded from the front of the barrel.

Deer Permit Adjustments:
- More whitetail antlerless deer tags will be available in southeastern and central Kansas.
- Fewer whitetail antlerless deer tags will be available in northwestern Kansas due to declining deer populations.
- Extended firearm season dates were added for southeastern deer management units.
- 2025-2026 dates for Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range were set to support military access while respecting Department of Defense operations.
- For full details and maps of the deer management units, visit: https://ksoutdoors.gov/Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Deer/Kansas-Deer-Management-Maps

As part of its ongoing efforts, KDWP is working to make fish and wildlife regulations easier to understand and more consistent across activities and regions.

“We know that navigating outdoor regulations can be confusing, especially for new hunters and anglers,” said Secretary Kennedy. “That’s why we’re committed to standardizing our rules wherever possible—so Kansans can spend less time decoding regulations and more time enjoying the outdoors.”

The 2025–2026 Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary is available now online and will soon be available at KDWP offices and many of the locations where hunting licenses are sold.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and five nature centers. Other services include the management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission to Meet August 14 in Garden City

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Jessica Ward) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:05:34 +0000

For Immediate Release:
August 7, 2025

NOTE: A previous version of this release incorrectly summarized the proposed changes to WAO permits in K.A.R. 115-25-9.

Contact:

Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
Laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission to Meet August 14 in Garden City

TOPEKA – The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will hold its next public meeting on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Finnup Center at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City. The meeting will begin at noon and continue until all agenda items are addressed.

The meeting will begin with a report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, including a public hearing on the following regulations:

K.A.R. 115-2-1 – Trout Fee and Senior License Fees
- Establishing a 5-year Resident Senior Hunting OR Fishing License(ages 65–74) for $50.
- Establishing a 5-year Resident Senior Hunting AND Fishing Combo License (ages 65–74) for $90.
- Increasing the trout permit fee from $12 to $17.50.
K.A.R. 115-4-4 – Nonlead Muzzleloader Shot
- Expanding allowable projectile types for muzzleloaders, enabling use of modern, non-lead (non-toxic) options.
K.A.R. 115-25-9 – Deer Seasons
- Updating season dates, units, and permit limits for the 2025–2026 Extended White-tailed Antlerless-only Firearm Season:
  - Proposed Season Dates
    - Unit 3: Jan. 1–4, 2026
    - Units 4–10, 16: Jan. 1–11, 2026
    - Units 11–15, 19: Jan. 1–18, 2026
  - Proposed Permit Limits
  - No WAO permits: Units 1, 2, 17, 18
  - One WAO permit: Unit 3
  - Four additional WAO permits: Units 4-10, 16
  - Nine additional WAO permits: Units 11-15, 19 (on non-KDWP-managed lands, except Berentz-Dick and Elk City Wildlife Areas)
K.A.R. 115-25-9a – Deer Seasons on Military Units
- Setting specific deer season dates for Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Smoky Hill Air National Guard, including antlerless-only and extended firearm opportunities.
  - Fort Riley
    - Pre-rut White-tailed Antlerless Firearm: Oct. 11-13, 2025
    - White-tailed Antlerless-only Firearm: Nov. 28-30, 2025
    - Firearm: Dec. 13-21, 2025
    - Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-11, 2026
  - Fort Leavenworth
    - Firearm: Nov. 15-16, Nov. 22-23, Nov. 27-30, Dec. 6-7, and Dec. 13-14, 2025
    - Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-18. 2026
    - Archery White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 19-31, 2026
  - Smoky Hill Air National Guard
    - Firearm: Dec. 3-14, 2025
K.A.R. 115-25-12 – Coyote Seasons
- Extending the night vision coyote hunting season to run from September 1 through March 31, excluding the following periods:
  - The first Saturday in September and the 22 consecutive days following (total of 23 days)
  - The Wednesday following Thanksgiving and the 11 consecutive days following (total of 12 days)
- If approved, the 2025-2026 night vision coyote hunting season would begin September 29 and run through December 2, then resume December 15 through March 31, 2026. The September 1–5 window will not be in effect for 2025 due to regulatory timelines.
K.A.R. 115-5-1 – Coyote Equipment, Taking Methods
- Updating the season dates established by K.A.R. 115-25-12.

Commissioners will also receive updates on regulations currently in the promulgation process.

Other agenda items include:

General public comment
Remarks from KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy
Informational updates on Kansas State Park camping fees
General discussion on nonresident waterfowl hunting
Review of additional topics that may be voted on at a future meeting

The meeting will conclude with an additional opportunity for public comment.

The complete agenda can be viewed HERE.

Attendees can participate in the meetings in person or virtually. Instructions for joining via Zoom, phone, or live streaming are available HERE under “How To Attend Commission Meetings Virtually.”

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Individuals with disabilities may request other accommodations by contacting KDWP at (785) 294-2645.

The date and location of the next Commission meeting has not yet been determined, but will be announced at ksoutdoors.gov and publicsquare.ks.gov.

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The seven-member, non-partisan Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission serves in an advisory capacity in formulating policies and plans for KDWP. The commission facilitates public hearings on rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary of KDWP, ultimately voting to approve, modify, or reject those proposed rules and regulations.

Flint Hills Trail State Park Nominated for National Rail-Trail Hall of Fame

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Laura Rose Clawson) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:27:59 +0000

For Immediate Release:
July 31, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Flint Hills Trail State Park Nominated for National Rail-Trail Hall of Fame

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is proud to announce the Flint Hills Trail State Park's nomination to the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s (RTC) Hall of Fame.

Since 2007, RTC’s Hall of Fame has honored America’s outstanding trails, recognized for their scenic value, use, amenities, historical significance, and community benefit.

“This nomination speaks volumes about the communities, volunteers, and staff who have made the Flint Hills Trail State Park a place where nature, recreation, and heritage come together,” said KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “We hope every Kansan and trail lovers beyond will cast a vote to celebrate this achievement.”

Stretching 118 miles from Osawatomie to Herington through the heart of the Flint Hills, Flint Hills Trail State Park is the longest rail-trail in Kansas. Popular among walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians, the trail was designated a state park in 2018 and recognized as a National Recreation Trail in 2020. It also connects directly to Prairie Spirit Trail State Park—a 53-mile corridor and prior RTC Hall of Fame inductee.

Public voting is open July 31 through August 6. Cast your vote here to support Flint Hills Trail State Park.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and five nature centers. Other services include the management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Shares Renovation Plans for Sheridan State Fishing Lake

kdwpt.websupport@ks.gov (Jessica Ward) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:26:56 +0000

For Immediate Release:
July 30, 2025

Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Shares Renovation Plans for Sheridan State Fishing Lake
Fishing opportunities are expected to resume by Summer 2027

TOPEKA—The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) today updated plans for a large-scale renovation at Sheridan State Fishing Lake in Sheridan County. Located just one mile north of Kansas Highway 24 in western Kansas, the 50-acre lake has sat mostly dry for more than a year.

“I know that the local communities have been eagerly awaiting an update on our progress,” said KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “I’m happy to share that the work at Sheridan State Fishing Lake continues and now includes additional investments to improve wildlife habitat and camping opportunities at the lake.”

The Sheridan State Fishing Lake property spans 324 acres, and it is visited annually by 22,750 people who come to fish, camp, and picnic. The lake was constructed in 1959 to provide fishing opportunities. Over time, the lakebed filled in with sediment. KDWP staff also struggled to maintain healthy fish populations at the lake, despite attempting multiple management approaches. The agency began draining the lake in early 2024 in anticipation of renovations, and the work is expected to continue through Spring 2027, with an anticipated lake reopening in Summer 2027.

Renovation Highlights

• Complete draining and dredging of the lake and subsequent reshaping of the lakebed

• Construction of earthen fishing piers

• Shoreline reinforcement with rocks and boulders to prevent erosion

• Improved fish habitat and stocking with sportfish and the smaller fish they feed on

• Campsite upgrades, including picnic tables, fire rings, and road maintenance

• Invasive tree control

Visitor Impacts

The property remains open for camping and other visitation. Fishing and boating opportunities will remain unavailable for at least two more years, though the nearby Antelope Lake in Graham County is open for fishing. Visitors should anticipate intermittent closures of portions of the property as the renovations progress.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include the management of threatened, endangered, and at- risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.com.